Ukraine expected to see gas production drop 7% to 18.5 bcm in 2022

MOSCOW. July 29 (Interfax) - Ukraine plans to produce 18.5 billion cubic meters of gas in 2022, 6.6% or 1.3 bcm less than in 2021, Deputy Energy Minister Mykola Kolesnik said.

"Based on actual production volumes that we have today, the forecast amount for this year is about 18.5 bcm. This is without factoring in potential losses," Kolesnik told the media.

He said daily gas production in the country currently amounts to 49.5 million cubic meters per day, down from about 55 mcm in February. At present, companies cannot fully conduct new drilling and well workovers, and are only maintaining existing wells.

Gas consumption in 2022 will total about 21 bcm, Kolesnik said, adding that this forecast is based on estimates of demand in preceding years.

Ukraine produced 19.8 bcm of natural gas in 2021, with private companies producing 5 bcm of this.